Budgie Nine F1 reveller appeals for cultural awareness after court let-off

One of the infamous Budgie Nine F1 revellers returned home to Australia today, warning other travellers to be sensitive to other country’s cultural traditions. Advertising executive Nick Kelly spoke as he flew back to Sydney after escaping jail over the group’s half-naked celebrations at the Malaysia Grand Prix. He said the group, whose antics provoked an angry backlash in the strict Muslim country, were grateful for the help he received from the Australian authorities. But he added: “I’d like to urge all Australians traveling overseas in the future to be very aware of the cultural differences and sensitivities that exist in other nations.”

The young Australian men were very repentant. But they do need to reflect very seriously on their conduct

Australian prime minister Turnbull

The nine friends, all in their late 20s, were detained on Sunday after stripping to their swimming trunks and drinking beer from shoes in full view of thousands of spectators at the Sepang race track. All have now returned to Australia, except for Jack Walker, who worked as a government adviser and is now facing questions over his future. Meanwhile, Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has said their treatment was very lenient. He added: “It is just a reminder … when you are overseas, you have to respect the laws of the country that you are visiting, just as we expect foreigners to, visitors to respect and comply with the laws of Australia when they are visiting us.”